I couldn't help myself, though.
The woman who was doing the demonstration was clearly knowledgeable and enthusiastic, so I knew that she would know the full details of the patent controversy that affects LED lights when used in Christmas decorations (it really is as fascinating as it sounds). So I walked over, and calmly asked the woman to explain to "my new colleague Victoria" all of the problems caused by this patent arrangement. Serves her right for making fun of me sleeping at the table in the Japanese restaurant.
Later, we went back to Mong Kok where Victoria bought handfuls of copy watches all with brands which I had never heard of, illustrating a difference in our upbringing that I attribute primarily to her having lived on a gated estate near Rickmansworth. The "estate" I was brought up on was a bit different. Having brought a procession of unused and overpriced items on previous visits to Hong Kong, I've been pleased not to buy anything on this trip. Victoria though has first-trip buying tendencies - in addition to the watches, there's a new phone (which looks fabulous, to be fair) and numerous bits of clothing and at least one handbag.
We had dinner at a traditional Chinese restaurant in MK (the real MK, not the one with the snowdome) and I managed to get a bit more sleep in at the table. Those four minutes were enough to keep me up for most of the night. In the end, I slept for just under three hours. Now we've packed and left Hong Kong, and are on the way to China for two days. I wonder if Victoria knows just what she's letting herself in for. Hong Kong can be quite posh, exciting and always air-conditioned. China is usually dirty, only partially complete and never fitted with a working lift. I can't wait to see her face when presented with the "VIP toilet" key in one of the factories we will visit.
